Business Tips

5 tried and tested methods to increase your efficiency at work

By Ryan Bradman | October 14, 2019

Deadlines, more deadlines and heaps of paperwork to get through. Sometimes it feels as though we have to move mountains before the clock hits 11 am. The problem with having so much work to do is that it can be difficult to find the motivation to get moving and any work you do complete seems like a drop in the ocean. So, how can you increase your efficiency at work and get through a move this paperwork mountains as quickly as possible, yet without compromising on quality?

Read on for 5 ways to increase your efficiency at work.

Use the right tools to streamline your day

The digital world is full of ways to make even the most tedious of tasks a breeze. Those annoying little jobs that have the power to turn your morning’s progress on its head are the ones we dread. Things like grammar and spelling, proofreading and plagiarism checks all take time and effort that could be spent elsewhere. By using automated tools, you can have someone else do it for you, leaving you with more time to move onto the bigger tasks at hand. Another point to note is that by doing things right the first time, you won’t waste time later, such as getting your formatting correct.

Set yourself deadlines

If you don’t give yourself a deadline to complete certain tasks, then you’ll feel no pressure to complete them and take as long as you wish. This is when procrastination creeps in and before you know it, you’re in big trouble. When you enforce a time limit, it motivates you to work harder and more efficiently. Make your goals challenging yet realistic and you’ll soon get into the flow!

Avoid those who disrupt you

Sometimes if the person next to you is slacking off, or trying to engage you in conversation, it’s a lot easier to simply give in, and copy their attitude. Disruptive colleagues mean well – they’re not deliberately trying to undermine you – however, you should keep your distance or let them know gently, that you’re working full tilt today and you’ll catch up with them later.

Keep your work area tidy

Files overflowing. A confusing array of old and new sticky notes. Yesterday’s coffee mug and old and broken stationary. Sound familiar? This is not the working environment of someone who wants to get things done. Clutter is distracting and stressful. So aim to keep your working area tidy and clutter-free. Come up with a filing system for all those documents. Keep a waste paper basket near your desk and spend at least 5-10 minutes each morning ensuring order and cleanliness!

Keep everything you need to hand

Pens run out of ink? The mic on your headset a little fuzzy? Make sure you have everything you need to complete your job. The last thing you want is to be on the phone to a customer and you can’t write down what they’re saying or hear them properly. Keep organized and have plenty of stationery, notepads and back up tech on standby. If in doubt – speak to your manager! They’ll be more than happy to indulge your wish to be more efficient!